Is Window Installation Apprenticeable, Asks Department of Labor

The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship is seeking to determine if the occupation of "window installer" is an occupation that can be learned through the apprenticeship system of training.

"We routinely collect industry feedback when someone (typically an employer-in this case, an association and/or an apprenticeship field rep) wants to have an occupation recognized nationally as officially 'apprenticeable,' as per U.S. Department of Labor protocols," explains Kenneth Lemberg with the DOL. "We want to make sure that the proposed training and development program accurately reflects industry demand for a skilled workforce."

According to information from Lemberg, an apprenticeable occupation possesses all the following characteristics as stated in Title 29 CFR Part 29.4, Criteria for Apprenticeable Occupations:

a) It is customarily learned in a practical way through a structured, systematic program of on-the-job supervised training;

b) It is clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout an industry;

c) It involves manual, mechanical or technical skills and knowledge that require a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job work experience; and

d) It requires related instruction to supplement the on-the-job training.

Lemberg says that if DOL decides that this occupation is apprenticeable, seeking or offering an apprenticeship would be entirely voluntary.

Do you feel window or glass installation should be learned through an apprentice program? What advantages or drawbacks to such a program do you see? E-mail your answers to mheadley@glass.com or CLICK HERE to post your thoughts on the USGlass/USGNN.com™ message forum.

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